FLOW: a multimodal perspective on congestion

While most cities want to implement more walking and cycling measures and reduce congestion, evidence clearly linking the two factors is currently lacking.

FLOW, a Horizon 2020 EU-funded project, may have the answer. It has developed a multimodal definition of congestion and key performance indicators to assess it. Through this, it aims to put walking and cycling on an equal footing with motorised modes of transport, thereby improving traffic performance and reducing congestion.

Congestion and active mobility resources

Throughout 2017, FLOW is offering a series of webinars and corresponding e-courses on the FLOW approach, tools and policy context. Each webinar gives an overview of the topic, which is then expanded on in the following e-course. Both the webinars and e-courses offer concrete examples to help participants apply what they have learned in their local contexts.

Two webinars have already taken place, whist the current e-course, "FLOW and transport modelling: Looking at the tools", runs until 23 June. Enrolment is still open and participants can access the course at any time and learn at their own pace. Webinars recordings are available on the FLOW YouTube channel.

Engage with the market

The FLOW Online Market Catalogue profiles 30 companies across Europe that can support cities to plan walking and cycling measures. It lists their services, contact details, and a case study related to them. This information enables cities to connect with private sector companies and collaborate on initiatives that improve walking and cycling in urban areas. Read it here.

What’s coming up next for FLOW?

In June 2017, FLOW published two important advocacy tools which are being highlighted during Velo-city, the annual global cycling summit conference currently taking place in the Netherlands. One of these, entitled “15 Quick Facts for Cities”, is a collection of concise facts that provides cities with arguments for investing in cycling and walking measures to reduce congestion. The publication is available in seven languages: Bulgarian, English, German, Hungarian, Irish, Polish, and Portuguese.

In addition, a new video from FLOW was launched at Velo-city that demonstrates the benefits that cities enjoy when they implement measures promoting walking and cycling.

Check out FLOW's website or subscribe to the newsletter to find out more.